The state’s politicians have let Smithfield Packing abuse workers in Tar Heel, and it is time both groups clean up their mess. Smithfield needs to improve working conditions and allow its workers to unionize. The company also needs to improve its plant’s safety, support training and education programs for immigrant Hispanic workers, and stop supporting hog farms which pollute the area water supply. State politicians need to pressure the meatpacker to make these changes to protect workers and the state’s environment.